Ever thought why a TV series’s first episode is called a Pilot? And why was it even introduced in the first place? Well, it seems like most OTT streaming platforms are now using this approach for production cost-cutting, and here’s everything you should know about it!
OTT media turn to TV pilot approach for cost-cutting
As reported by Variety, streaming giants like HBO Max and Hulu are now going back to the basics. They’re reintroducing pilots before shows dip into full-scale production.
Simran Sethi, president of scripted programming at Hulu, ABC, and Freeform, gave her insight into how this move could potentially benefit many such streaming giants in an interview with Variety.
“I think that what we all learned with this adjustment to a slightly different volume is being a little bit more steady and focused on these bets that we’re making to really set ourselves up for long-running success.”
For the uninitiated, Pilots were introduced early on as a test concept. It’s a primer, a test run, and most importantly, a heads-up for an entire team to see where the show stands as a whole. If the Pilot receives good feedback, they move ahead with the show, and honestly, it seems like a smart move.
However, as time went by, producers and directors dropped the idea of using pilot episodes. There are also several criticisms regarding filming a pilot episode.
Some critique the pilot episodes on their low quality and for being lackadaisical, and more often than not, it isn’t true. It also has to do with the kind of consumption that goes on when it comes to TV shows.
With OTT platforms, a certain segment of the audience requires readily available seasons with all 12 episodes in one go. There are, however, shows that offer a pilot approach to their series, and it is a refreshing case indeed.
Earlier, Vampire Diaries, Dexter, and Lost did their pilot versions, and it would be fascinating to see how HBO Max, Hulu, and other platforms incorporate this approach.
What do you think of this move? Let us know in the comments down below!
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